Dead Rising 4

In the latest iteration of Capcom's renowned zombie-slaying saga, “Dead Rising 4” invites players to once again wield the sledgehammer of justice through hordes of the undead. Expect familiar chaos, spiced with a festive twist, as the irresistibly sardonic Frank West slashes, snaps, and crafts his way across the town of Willamette, Colorado.

Action-Packed Return to Willamette

“Dead Rising 4” marks the homecoming of Frank West, the intrepid photojournalist, to the origins of the outbreak in the tranquil (now overrun) town of Willamette. Far from his debut appearance, Frank has grown in both breadth of combat expertise and depth of character. Enemies beware—the streets are decked with boughs of holly and the comical array of weaponry only a “Dead Rising” protagonist could assemble.

The season is rife with the series’ signature mix of crafting and combat. The assortment of weapon options in Frank's arsenal is as heterogeneous as ever, ranging from the straightforward slash-and-burn fare to the inventively outrageous. What’s more, Frank's new exosuit ability adds a dimension of power fantasy, allowing players to experience the thrill of enhanced capabilities as they trudge through slews of zombies.

Frank’s Photojournalist Flair

In keeping with his roots, Frank West’s eye for the photogenic chaos endemic to a zombie outbreak plays a significant role. Players will use his camera to capture the mayhem, adding a strategic layer to the bloodbath as they seek out the best—and most revealing—shots. Doing so is not just a nod to fans of the series but an engaging diversion from the relentless action.

The photography mechanic encourages exploration and interaction with the environment in ways that break up potential monotony, interjecting moments of dark comedy and irony into the player’s grim task. Frank's vocational skills are as crucial to progressing through the game as his knack for constructing elaborate weaponry.

An Open World Teeming with The Living Dead

Capcom doesn’t shy away from letting zombies flood the streets of Willamette, ensuring that players will never lack for targets to test their custom-made armaments upon. The open-world design lends itself well to the large-scale undead destruction that serves as the franchise's beating heart.

However, “Dead Rising 4” is not merely a parade of senselessness. While the game relishes in its over-the-top violence and bizarrely festive weaponry, it does so within an expansive sandbox that encourages exploration, experimentation, and player agency. Whether it’s tracking down secret areas or piecing together the larger narrative behind the outbreak, there’s enough here to pique the curiosity of those looking beyond the visceral pleasure of zombie annihilation.

Re-imagined Horrors of the Holidays

What sets this title apart is not just the familiar holiday backdrop but the manner in which it juxtaposes the cheer of the season with the gore and grit of a horror survival scenario. “Dead Rising 4” doesn't skimp on providing a cavalcade of Christmas-themed zombies and decorations that serve as perverse parodies of holiday joy, offering a darkly humorous and unique take on the end of the world.

Pros

• Combines outrageous combat with dark humor and festive overtones
• Frank West’s character brings familiarity and a charismatic edge
• Open-world environment allows for exploration and creative gameplay
• The crafting system encourages creativity with a wide array of zombie dispatching options
• The photography element adds depth and variety to gameplay objectives

Cons

• May feel repetitive for those seeking innovative combat mechanics
• Lacks the original voice actor for Frank West, which may disappointment longtime fans
• The sheer number of zombies can on occasion feel overwhelming rather than challenging

Overall, “Dead Rising 4” continues the legacy of its predecessors while reigniting the spark with a seasonal twist. While it may tread familiar ground, it does so with the gusto and irreverent charm expected of the series and is sure to delight fans with its return to Willamette and a holiday season like no other.